Summary: JMCC conducted an opinion poll on the attitude of Palestinians towards the Taba Agreement (Oslo 2). The poll was conducted on the 6th and 7th of October 1995 in the West Bank including Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip.

The poll shows over whelming support for the peace process and the Taba Agreement. Support for the opposition is declining, and the majority of the opponents of the peace process feel that the opposition, in general, is either impractical or its approach is vague.

• Only 16.4% opposed the Taba Agreement compared to 23.7% who strongly support it, and 41.9% who cautiously support it.

• 19.1% of the respondents believe that the Taba Agreement solidifies the occupation, while 14.7% believe that the agreement is a step toward the full realization of the Palestinian aspirations (independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital). The majority, 54.6% of the respondents believe that Taba is a step toward the realization of some of the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

• 25.5% of the respondents say that they are very optimistic about the future, 48.4% say that they are somehow optimistic. Only 22.2% say they are pessimistic or very pessimistic.

• 62.3% say they will feel more secure once the PA assumes responsibility in the West Bank: 66.8% were from the West Bank and 50.9% from the Gaza Strip. (In 21 June 1995, only 35.8% of West Bankers said they feel more secure compared to 69.3% from the Gaza Strip).

• Only 17.8% say that they oppose the peace process while 72.7% say they support it. Of those who say they oppose the peace process, 49.8% criticized the opposition as being impractical and vague, compared to 33.9% who say the opposition is practical.

• Support to Hamas declined from 18% in 21 June 1995 to 10.7%. Support for Fateh fell marginally from 46.6% (21 June 1995) to 4.6%.

• A surprising increase in the percentage of those who say that Rabin is sincere about implementing the peace agreements with the Palestinians, whereas those who say Rabin is sincere was only 9.9% in 21 June 1995, the percentage increased to 27.2%.

• Of all the respondents 65.2% said that Israel has no right to exist, while 26.4% say it does. Of those who trust Hamas most, 9.8% say that Israel has the right to exist, compared to 34.9% Fateh Supporters.